Chelsea are ahead of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United in the race to sign Barcelona star Pedro and Real Madrid ace Fabio Coentrao, reports the Daily Express.
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The Blues are interested in the Portuguese full-back as a replacement for Filipe Luis, who has had a disappointing debut season in the Premier League. The Brazil international has been unable to force Cesar Azpilicueta out of the side, and been on the bench for large periods as a result.
Coentrao would be a reliable replacement, having worked under manager Jose Mourinho before when he was in charge at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile the 53-year-old is also impressed by Barca forward Pedro’s versatility, and believes he would be a good fit for Chelsea’s forward line.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are believed to be looking for a player to fill in on the right wing, and the Spain international could be the answer. Juan Cuadrado signed in January to provide cover for the position, but has failed to make his mark, while Willian is another option for cover across the forward win.
This will be disappointing news for their Premier League rivals, with the trio of top-end clubs all having hoped that it would be them to tempt the La Liga duo to the top flight.